How should one handle the citation of a play or play that has never been published?

When citing an unpublished play, focus on identifying and documenting the unique archival source where the manuscript or script is housed as the core element of your citation. The essential principles involve providing precise details about the repository. Key information includes the complete title of the play, the playwright's full name, the approximate creation date, the specific archival collection name, the box and folder numbers, and the name and location of the holding institution. Differentiate clearly between performance scripts and authorial manuscripts, and always prioritize the most authoritative source available. Avoid treating the holding repository like a conventional publisher. If an unpublished play is published later (e.g., in an anthology), cite the published version according to the relevant style guide. Locate the specific manuscript's citation guidelines provided by the archive, as practices vary. Describe the physical item thoroughly, including any unique identifiers like accession numbers or call numbers. Cite performance scripts similarly, crediting the theatre company archive if applicable. Provide sufficient detail to allow researchers to trace the item's provenance and location. If you viewed a copy, note it and secure permissions if necessary for extensive quotations or analysis. Secondary sources analyzing the play may also offer useful citation clues.